The new study aims to reflect the opinions of farmers and their experience in controlling hypocalcemia or milk fever, a very common ailment of dairy cows that occurs after birth.

Farmers across the UK are encouraged to share their knowledge in order to fill in some of the gaps that still exist regarding the effects of milk fever, both clinical and subclinical.

The survey, launched by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, aims to assess the magnitude of the hypocalcemia problem in dairy and meat farms, as well as to assess the impact that the disease has on the farm and its productivity.

The survey will provide another updated indicator to compare with existing data and examine any regional trends that may exist. Farmers are encouraged to take the survey, regardless of whether they believe that milk fever is a problem on their farm or not.

Boehringer Ingelheim said they really want to “learn about the real experience of fighting milk fever and what is really important for farmers so that we can use this knowledge to improve our approach to managing the condition.”

Currently, it is believed that in the UK, milk fever affects 4 to 9% of dairy cows, and its subclinical form - up to 39%. The survey is conducted on the website online and will last until August 31, 2019.